Undulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry

ABSTRACT

A filtration system having an undulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry is described. In the filtration system, a filter element endplate and a filter housing component (e.g., a shell housing, a filter mounting head, etc.) meet at an interface. The filter housing component includes an undulating or repeating pattern that meshes with a matching undulating or repeating pattern on the endplate of the filter element. The undulating or repeating pattern prevents the filter element from freely rotating with respect to the filter housing component of the filtration system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is the U.S. national stage of PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2018/018724, filed Feb. 20, 2018, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/461,497,filed Feb. 21, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to filtration systems.

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion engines generally combust a mixture of fuel (e.g.,gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) and air. Lubrication oil is alsosupplied to the engine to lubricate the various moving components of theengine. Either prior to entering the engine or during engine operation,the intake air, fuel, lubrication oil, and other fluids are typicallypassed through filtration systems to remove contaminants (e.g., dust,water, oil, etc.) from the fluids. The filtration systems include filterelements having filter media. As the fluid passes through the filtermedia, the filter media removes at least a portion of the contaminantsin the fluid.

Oftentimes, the filter elements in the filtration systems requireperiodic replacement (e.g., as the pressure drop across the filter mediaincreases). As cost saving measures, some technicians installcounterfeit, non-genuine, or non-authorized filter elements into thefiltration system (collectively referred to as “non-authorized” filterelements). Such non-authorized filter elements may not conform tooriginal manufacturer quality, performance and safety parameters. Forexample, the non-authorized filter elements may utilize sub-optimalsealing technology, sub-optimal filter media, poor or improper assembly,or the like. Accordingly, non-authorized filter elements may allow morecontaminants to pass through the filtration system, thereby damaging thedownstream components (e.g., the internal combustion engine, pumps,turbochargers, etc.).

SUMMARY

Various example embodiments relate to filter elements and filterhousings that include an undulated interlocking housing-endplateinterface geometry. One example embodiment relates to a filter element.The filter element includes filter media and a first endplate coupled tothe filter media. The first endplate includes a top surface and a bottomsurface parallel to and displaced from the top surface. The firstendplate includes a central opening passing through the top surface andthe bottom surface. The first endplate further includes at least oneinlet. The first endplate further includes a first undulated wallpositioned between the top surface and the bottom surface. The firstundulated wall includes a repeating pattern that defines an outercircumferential uneven surface structured to mesh with a matchingrepeating pattern of a shell housing when the filter element isinstalled in the shell housing.

Another example embodiment relates to a filtration system. Thefiltration system includes a filter mounting head having a fluid inletand a fluid outlet. The filtration system further includes a shellhousing removably coupled to the filter mounting head through a threadedconnection. The shell housing defines a central compartment. The shellhousing includes a second undulating wall having the matching repeatingpattern. The filtration system further includes a filter elementpositioned within the central compartment. The filter element includesfilter media and a first endplate coupled to the filter media. The firstendplate includes a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to anddisplaced from the top surface. The first endplate includes a centralopening passing through the top surface and the bottom surface. Thefirst endplate further includes at least one inlet. The first endplatefurther includes a first undulated wall positioned between the topsurface and the bottom surface. The first undulated wall includes arepeating pattern that defines an outer circumferential uneven surfacestructured to mesh with the matching repeating pattern of the shellhousing.

Another example embodiment relates to a filter element. The filterelement includes filter media and a first endplate coupled to the filtermedia. The first endplate includes a top surface and a bottom surfaceparallel to and displaced from the top surface. The first endplateincludes a central opening passing through the top surface and thebottom surface. The first endplate further includes at least one inlet.The first endplate further includes a first undulated wall positionedbetween the top surface and the bottom surface. The first undulated wallincludes a repeating pattern that defines an outer circumferentialuneven surface structured to mesh with a matching repeating pattern of ashell housing when the filter element is installed in the shell housing.The top surface includes a nutplate and the bottom surface includes anendplate. The nutplate includes a top nutplate surface and a bottomnutplate surface parallel to and displaced from the top nutplatesurface. The first undulated wall is disposed between the top nutplatesurface and the bottom nutplate surface. The endplate includes a topendplate surface and a bottom endplate surface parallel to and displacedfrom the top endplate surface. The top endplate surface is substantiallyparallel to the bottom nutplate surface. The top endplate surface isspaced away from the bottom nutplate surface by a fluid passageway.

Another example embodiment relates to a filtration system. Thefiltration system includes a filter mounting head having a fluid inletand a fluid outlet. The filtration system further includes a shellhousing removably coupled to the filter mounting head through a threadedconnection. The shell housing defines a central compartment. The shellhousing includes a second undulating wall having the matching repeatingpattern. The filtration system further includes a filter elementpositioned within the central compartment. The filter element includesfilter media and a first endplate coupled to the filter media. The firstendplate includes a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to anddisplaced from the top surface. The first endplate includes a centralopening passing through the top surface and the bottom surface. Thefirst endplate further includes at least one inlet. The first endplatefurther includes a first undulated wall positioned between the topsurface and the bottom surface. The first undulated wall includes arepeating pattern that defines an outer circumferential uneven surfacestructured to mesh with the matching repeating pattern of the shellhousing. The top surface includes a nutplate and the bottom surfaceincludes an endplate. The nutplate includes a top nutplate surface and abottom nutplate surface parallel to and displaced from the top nutplatesurface. The first undulated wall is disposed between the top nutplatesurface and the bottom nutplate surface. The endplate includes a topendplate surface and a bottom endplate surface parallel to and displacedfrom the top endplate surface. The top endplate surface is substantiallyparallel to the bottom nutplate surface. The top endplate surface isspaced away from the bottom nutplate surface by a fluid passageway.

Another example embodiment relates to a filter element. The filterelement includes filter media and a first endplate coupled to the filtermedia. The first endplate includes a top surface and a bottom surfaceparallel to and displaced from the top surface. The first endplateincludes a central opening passing through the top surface and thebottom surface. The first endplate further includes at least one inlet.A flange axially protrudes away from and is perpendicular to the bottomsurface. The first endplate further includes a first undulated wallpositioned on a surface of the flange. The first undulated wallprotrudes radially away from the flange and has a pattern that definesan outer circumferential surface structured to mesh with a matchingrepeating pattern of a shell housing when the filter element isinstalled in the shell housing.

Another example embodiment relates to a filtration system. Thefiltration system includes a filter mounting head having a fluid inletand a fluid outlet. The filtration system further includes a shellhousing removably coupled to the filter mounting head through a threadedconnection. The shell housing defines a central compartment. The shellhousing includes a second undulating wall having the matching repeatingpattern. The filtration system further includes a filter elementpositioned within the central compartment The filter element includesfilter media and a first endplate coupled to the filter media. The firstendplate includes a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to anddisplaced from the top surface. The first endplate includes a centralopening passing through the top surface and the bottom surface. Thefirst endplate further includes at least one inlet. A flange axiallyprotrudes away from and is perpendicular, or substantiallyperpendicular, to the bottom surface. The first endplate furtherincludes a first undulated wall positioned on a surface of the flange.The first undulated wall protrudes radially away from the flange and hasa pattern that defines an outer circumferential surface structured tomesh with a matching repeating pattern of a shell housing when thefilter element is installed in the shell housing.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner ofoperation thereof, will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawingsdescribed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the interaction between the firstendplate and the shell housing of the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A shows a top view of a portion of the shell housing of thefiltration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the portion of the shell housing ofthe filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A shows a portion of a perspective view of a top side of the firstendplate of the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4B shows a portion of a perspective view of a bottom side of thefirst endplate of the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5A shows a top view of the first endplate installed in the shellhousing of the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5B shows a close-up view of the first endplate installed in theshell housing of the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a non-authorized filter elementbeing improperly installed in the filtration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a first endplate according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a filter mounting head according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the first endplate of FIG. 7Ainterfacing with the filter mounting head of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of different first endplates beingmounted into a shell housing.

FIGS. 8B and 8C show views of a first arrangement of the first endplateof FIG. 8A mounted into the shell housing.

FIGS. 8D and 8E show views of a second arrangement of the first endplateof FIG. 8A mounted into the shell housing.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the shell housing of the filtrationsystem of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shell housingof the filtration system of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the filter element of the filtrationsystem of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the first endplate of thefilter element of the filtration system of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the first endplate of the filterelement of the filtration system of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the first endplate installed in theshell housing of the filtration system of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system according toanother example embodiment.

FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the shell housing of the filtrationsystem of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shell housingof the filtration system of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the filter element of thefiltration system of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system according toanother example embodiment.

FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of the shell housing of the filtrationsystem of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 18B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shell housingof the filtration system of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the filter element of the filtrationsystem of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 20A shows a cross-sectional view of the first endplate of thefilter element of the filtration system of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 20B shows a perspective view of the first endplate of the filterelement of the filtration system of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the first endplate installed in theshell housing of the filtration system of FIG. 17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures generally, a filtration system having anundulated interlocking housing-endplate interface geometry is described.In the filtration system, a filter element endplate and a filter housingcomponent (e.g., a shell housing, a filter mounting head, etc.) meet atan interface. The interface may form a seal between the endplate and thefilter housing component. The filter housing component includes anundulating or repeating pattern that meshes with a matching undulatingor repeating pattern on the endplate of the filter element. The twoundulating or repeating patterns “mesh” when the two patterns engage andlock in a similar manner as the teeth of two meshing gears therebypreventing substantial rotation of the endplate with respect to thefilter housing component (i.e., preventing the endplate from rotatingwith respect to the filter housing component by more than five degreesin a given direction). In some arrangements, the undulating interlockinginterface forms a seal between the filter housing component and theendplate. In some embodiments, the endplate with the undulating orrepeating pattern may include an integrated nutplate. The endplate withthe integrated nutplate can provide drop-in and drop-out assembly of thefilter element into the filter housing. In other embodiments, thepattern on the endplate includes mesh protrusions (e.g., fingers) thatinterlock (e.g., snap) with a lip formed on the inside of the filterhousing.

As will be appreciated, if a non-authorized filter element lacking thematching undulating pattern is attempted to be installed in or on thefilter housing component, the non-authorized filter element may not fitagainst the filter housing component and/or may not form the appropriateseal with the filter housing component. Accordingly, the undulating orrepeating pattern prevents non-authorized filter elements from beinginstalled in the filtration system. Additionally, the undulating orrepeating pattern prevents the filter element from freely rotating withrespect to the filter housing component of the filtration system.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view of a filtration system 100is shown according to an example embodiment. The filtration system 100may be a fuel filtration system, a lubricant filtration system, ahydraulic fluid filtration system, a water filtration system, or thelike. The filtration system 100 includes a filter mounting head 102having an inlet 104 and an outlet 106. The filter mounting head 102removably receives a shell housing 108 through a threaded connection.The shell housing 108 is substantially cylindrical in shape having anopen top end adjacent to the filter mounting head 102 and a closedbottom end opposite the open top end. In some arrangements, the closedbottom end includes a closeable drain opening, a sensor port, or anotheropening that can be selectively sealed.

A filter element 110 is installed in the filtration system 100. Thefilter element 110 is received in a central compartment formed by theshell housing 108. The filter element 110 includes a first endplate 112,a second endplate 114, and filter media 116 positioned between the firstendplate 112 and the second endplate 114. The filter media 116 isarranged in a cylindrical manner between the first endplate 112 and thesecond endplate 114. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first endplate 112 is anopen endplate that includes a central opening 118 in fluid communicationwith the outlet 106. The second endplate 114 is a closed endplate. Thefirst endplate 112 includes at least one inlet opening 120 in fluidcommunication with the inlet 104. In some arrangements, the total inletflow area created by the at least one inlet opening 120 is larger thanthe most restrictive design feature of the system receiving the fluidsuch that the inlet openings 120 are not the most restrictive designfeature.

The filtration system 100 includes an outer seal member 122 and an innerseal member 124. The outer seal member 122 is supported in a U-shapedchannel formed by the first endplate 112 and the shell housing 108(e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 , which shows a cross-sectional view of theinteraction between the first endplate 112 and the shell housing 108).The inner seal member 124 is supported in a U-shaped channel formed byprojections on the first endplate 112. When the filter element 110 andthe shell housing 108 are installed in the filtration system 100 (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 1 ), the outer seal member 122 and inner seal member124 are pressed against the filter head and form seals. The spacedefined between the outer seal member 122 and the inner seal member 124is in fluid communication with the inlet 104 and the inlet openings 120.The space inside of the inner seal member 124 is in fluid communicationwith the outlet 106 and the central opening 118. Accordingly, when thefilter element 110 is installed in the filtration system (as shown inFIG. 1 ), fluid to be filtered flows through the inlet 104, through theinlet openings 120, through the filter media 116 in an outside-in flowdirection, out the central opening 118, and out the outlet 106 as shownby the flow arrows of FIG. 1 .

As described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A through 6, the shell housing 108 and the first endplate 112 include matchingundulated surfaces that mesh when the filter element 110 is installed inthe shell housing 108. The matching undulated surfaces include aplurality of curves or shapes. The matching undulated surfaces preventthe filter element 110 from rotating with respect to the shell housing108 during installation of the shell housing 108 to the filter mountinghead 102. Additionally, the undulated surface of the shell housing 108prevents a non-authorized filter element (e.g., a filter element withoutthe matching undulated surface) from being installed in the shellhousing 108 and ultimately installed in the filtration system 100.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, views of the shell housing 108 are shown.FIG. 3A shows a top view of a portion of the shell housing 108. FIG. 3Bshows a perspective view of the same portion of the shell housing 108shown in FIG. 3A. As described above with respect to FIG. 1 , the shellhousing 108 includes an open top end. The open top end is defined by atop surface 302, a gasket retaining wall 304, a gasket retaining lip306, an undulated wall 308, and an endplate retaining lip 310. In somearrangements, the top surface 302, the gasket retaining lip 306, and theendplate retaining lip 310 are parallel, or substantially parallel,surfaces. In some arrangements, the gasket retaining wall 304 and theundulated wall 308 are perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, tothe top surface 302, the gasket retaining lip 306, and/or the endplateretaining lip 310. The gasket retaining wall 304 and the gasketretaining lip 306 define a first portion of the U-shaped channel (afirst half of the U-shaped channel in one embodiment) that receives theouter seal member 122 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2). The undulated wall 308 and the endplate retaining lip 310 receive thefirst endplate 112 when the filter element 110 is installed in the shellhousing 108. The undulated wall 308 defines an inner circumferentialuneven surface such that only filter elements with a complimentaryundulated wall (e.g., the undulated wall 410 of the first endplate 112)can be retained in the shell housing 108. The undulated pattern thatdefines the undulated wall 308 may be continuous or intermittentthroughout the inner circumference of the undulated wall 308. As usedherein, “undulated” or “undulating” may refer to a repeating pattern ornon-repeating pattern that may follow a wave pattern (e.g., a sinusoidalpattern), a flower pattern, a triangular pattern, a continuous pattern(e.g., raised surface), or any other pattern such that a mating patterncan mesh with the undulated or undulating pattern.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, views of the first endplate 112 are shown.FIG. 4A shows a portion of a perspective view of a top side of the firstendplate 112. FIG. 4B shows a portion of a perspective view of a bottomside of the first endplate 112. The first endplate 112 includes a topsurface 402 and a bottom surface 404. The top surface 402 and bottomsurface 404 are parallel, or substantially parallel, and displaced fromeach other. The first endplate 112 includes a gasket retaining wall 406extending from the top surface 402, a gasket retaining lip 408, anundulated wall 410, a housing support lip 412, and a lower wall 414extending from the bottom surface. In some arrangements, the top surface402, the gasket retaining lip 408, the housing support lip 412, and thebottom surface 404 are all parallel, or substantially parallel, to eachother. In some arrangements, the gasket retaining wall 406, theundulated wall 410, and the lower wall 414 are perpendicular, orsubstantially perpendicular, to the top surface 402, the bottom surface404, the gasket retaining lip 408, and/or the housing support lip 412.The gasket retaining wall 406 and the gasket retaining lip 408 define asecond half of the U-shaped channel that receives the outer seal member122 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The undulatedwall 410 and the housing support lip 412 are sized and shaped to besupported by the undulated wall 308 and the endplate retaining lip 310of the shell housing 108 when the filter element 110 is installed in theshell housing 108. The undulated wall 410 defines an outercircumferential uneven surface such that is complimentary with undulatedwall 308 of the shell housing 108. The undulated pattern that definesthe undulated wall 308 may be continuous or intermittent throughout theinner circumference of the undulated wall 308. The undulated pattern mayfollow a wave pattern, a flower pattern, a triangular pattern, or thelike so long as the undulated patter of the undulated wall 410 iscomplimentary with the undulated pattern of the undulated wall 308.

Accordingly, since the filter element 110 is an authorized filterelement, the first endplate 112 can be received in the shell housing 108as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. When the filter element 110 is installed inthe shell housing 108, the undulated wall 410 of the first endplate 112meshes with the undulated wall 308 of the shell housing 108 such thatthe first endplate 112 (and thus the filter element 110) cannot berotated with respect to the shell housing 108. Further, as shown best inFIG. 2 , when the filter element 110 is installed in the shell housing108, the first endplate 112 and the shell housing 108 form a U-shapedchannel that receives the outer seal member 122. The outer seal member122 is supported by the gasket retaining wall 304, the gasket retaininglip 306, the gasket retaining wall 406, and the gasket retaining lip408. When the filter element 110 is installed in the filtration system100, the outer seal member 122 will undergo compression as it is pressedbetween the filter mounting head 102 and the U-shaped channel thatcauses the outer seal member 122 to press against the walls of theU-shaped channel and the filter mounting head 102. In some arrangements,the walls of the U-shaped channel are at least two-thirds the height ofthe outer seal member 122.

If a technician attempts to insert a non-authorized filter element intothe shell housing 108 (e.g., a filter element that does not include afirst endplate having the undulated wall 410), the non-authorized filterelement will not fit in the shell housing 108. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , a first endplate 602 of a non-authorized filter element willnot slide all the way in to the shell housing 108 because the pattern ofthe undulated wall 308 prevents the first endplate 602 from sliding intothe shell housing 108. Accordingly, the non-authorized filter element israised from a fully installed position by the height 604 of theundulated wall 308, and sits above the top of the undulated wall 308 bythe height 606 of the first endplate. The height 604 is sufficientlylarge to allow the first endplate 602 to protrude above the top surface302 of the shell housing 108. Since the first endplate 602 is raised,the first endplate 602 comes into contact with the filter mounting head102 before the threaded connection between the shell housing 108 and thefilter mounting head 102 is engaged (and before any seals form betweenthe first endplate 602 and the filter mounting head 102), which preventsthe non-authorized filter element from being installed in the filtrationsystem 100. If a filter element is not installed in the filtrationsystem 100, any corresponding system associated with the filtrationsystem 100 (e.g., an internal combustion engine) may be prevented fromstarting. The height 604 may be varied depending on the application suchthat any installed non-authorized filter element protrudes above the topsurface 302 thereby preventing the threads of the shell housing 108 fromcoupling to the threads of the filter mounting head 102.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, a first endplate 702 and filtermounting head 704 are shown according to another example embodiment. Thefirst endplate 702 and the filter mounting head 704 may be used in placeof the first endplate 112 and the filter mounting head 102 in the samemanner as described above with respect to the filtration system 100.Accordingly, like numbering is used to designate similar componentsbetween the filtration system 100 and the components shown in FIGS. 7A,7B, and 7C. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first endplate 702 includes raisedtabs 706 extending from the top surface 402. Although three tabs 706 areshown, any number of tabs may be positioned on the top surface 402. Thetabs are evenly spaced at the same radius from a center point of thefirst endplate 702 such that the tabs fall along the circle 708 definedby the radius and the center point. As shown in FIG. 7B, the filtermounting head includes a circular channel 710. In some arrangements thecircular channel 710 is interrupted with a notch 712 that interfereswith the tabs 706 during rotation of the first endplate 702 with respectto the filter mounting head 704.

As shown best in FIG. 7C, the circular channel 710 is sized and shapedto receive the tabs 706 of the first endplate 702 when the filterelement 110 is installed in the filtration system 100. Duringinstallation of the filter element 110 in the filtration system 100, thetabs 706 are received in the channel 710. As the shell housing 108 isrotated to form the threaded connection between the shell housing 108and the filter mounting head 704, the filter element also rotates untilone of the tabs 706 abuts the notch 712. The filter element 110 is thenrotationally locked with respect to the filter mounting head 704 whilethe shell housing 108 continues to rotate. When the pattern of theundulated wall 410 lines up with the matching pattern of the undulatedwall 308, the filter element 110 and the first endplate 702 drop intothe shell housing 108 and will seat correctly within the shell housing108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, the tabs 706 and circularchannel 710 having the notch 712 serve as a guiding feature that allowsthe filter element 110 to easily drop down into the shell housing 108when the undulated patterns on the shell housing 108 and first endplate702 line up. If a non-authorized filter element having a different tabarrangement (or no tabs) is attempted to be installed in the filtrationsystem 100, the non-authorized filter element will not rotate and fallinto the shell housing 108 as described above.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a perspective view of the outlines of a firstendplate 802 and a second endplate 804 positioned within the shellhousing 108 are shown according to an example embodiment. Each of thefirst endplate 802 or second endplate 804 may be substituted for thefirst endplate 112 of the filtration system 100. The first endplate 802is inscribed within the undulating pattern that matches the undulatedwall 308 of the shell housing 108 such that the first endplate 802conforms to the small circle that can be drawn touching the troughs ofthe undulating pattern. The second endplate 804 circumscribes theundulating pattern of the undulated wall 308 of the shell housing 108such that the second endplate 804 conforms to the largest circle thatcan be drawn touching the peaks of the undulating pattern. The firstendplate 802 and second endplate 804 are described in further detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 8B through 8E.

FIGS. 8B and 8C each show different views of the second endplate 804positioned within the shell housing 108 as described above with respectto FIG. 8A. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the second endplate 804 iscircumscribed with the undulating pattern that matches the undulatedwall 308 of the shell housing 108 such that the second endplate 804rests on the gasket retaining lip 306 of the shell housing 108. In thisarrangement, the first endplate 802 only contacts the innermost edges ofthe undulating pattern of the undulated wall 308. In some arrangements,the second endplate 804 may form a seal with the shell housing 108.

FIGS. 8D and 8E each show different views of the first endplate 802positioned within the shell housing 108 as described above with respectto FIG. 8A. As shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the first endplate 802 isinscribed with the undulating pattern that matches the undulated wall308 of the shell housing 108 such that the first endplate 802 rests onthe gasket retaining lip 306 of the shell housing 108. In thisarrangement, the first endplate 802 only contacts the innermost edges ofthe undulating pattern of the undulated wall 308. In some arrangements,the first endplate 802 may form a seal with the shell housing 108.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view of a filtration system 900is shown according to an example embodiment. The filtration system 900may be a fuel filtration system, a lubricant filtration system, ahydraulic fluid filtration system, a water filtration system, or thelike. The filtration system 900 is similar to the filtration system 100of FIG. 1 . A difference between the filtration system 900 and thefiltration system 100 is the integration of a nutplate on the firstendplate of the filtration system 900. Similarly, the first endplate 912may be used in place of the first endplate 112 in the same manner asdescribed above with respect to the filtration system 100. Accordingly,like numbering is used to designate similar components between thefiltration system 100 and the components shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, 11,12A, 12B, and 13 of the filtration system 900. As shown in FIG. 9 , thefiltration system 900 includes a shell housing 908 and a filter element910.

The shell housing 908 is substantially cylindrical in shape having anopen top end adjacent to first endplate 912 and a closed bottom endopposite the open top end. The bottom end includes a protrusion toassist in removal of the shell housing 908 from the filter element 910and/or filtration system 900. In some arrangements, the closed bottomend includes a closeable drain opening, a sensor port, or anotheropening that can be selectively sealed. The shell housing 908 includes athreaded member 906 formed around the top end of the shell housing 908.The threaded member 906 is configured to threadedly engage with a filterhousing component (e.g., a filter mounting head) of the filtrationsystem 900. In some embodiments, the shell housing 908 and the threadedmember 906 are separate components.

A filter element 910 is installed in the filtration system 900. Thefilter element 910 is received in a central compartment formed by theshell housing 908. The filter element 910 includes a first endplate 912,a second endplate 914, and filter media 116 positioned between the firstendplate 912 and the second endplate 914. The filter media 116 isarranged in a cylindrical manner between the first endplate 912 and thesecond endplate 914. The first endplate 912 includes a nutplate portion1102 integrated with an endplate portion 1104 such that the top surfaceof the first endplate 912 is the nutplate portion 1102 and the bottomsurface is an endplate portion 1104 vertically spaced away from thenutplate portion 1102 and structured to attach to the filter media 116.As will be appreciated, incorporating an integrated nutplate portion1102 on an endplate portion 1104 to form the first endplate 912 of thefilter element 910 reduces the need for additional components forinterfacing with and sealing with the shell housing 908. As shown inFIG. 9 , the first endplate 912 is an open endplate that includes acentral opening 918 in fluid communication with an outlet. The secondendplate 914 is a closed endplate. The first endplate 912 includes atleast one inlet opening in fluid communication with an inlet. In somearrangements, one or both of the first endplate 912 and second endplate914 may include raised tabs extending from a surface. The tabs may beevenly spaced at the same radius from a center point of the firstendplate 912 and second endplate 914 such that the tabs fall along thecircle defined by the radius and the center point.

The filtration system 900 includes an outer seal member 122 and an innerseal member 124. The outer seal member 122 is supported in a U-shapedchannel formed by the first endplate 912 and the shell housing 908(e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 , which shows a cross-sectional view of theinteraction between the first endplate 912 and the shell housing 908).The inner seal member 124 is supported in a U-shaped channel formed byprojections on the first endplate 912. Specifically, the inner sealmember 124 is supported by the inner gasket retaining walls 1216 and theinner gasket retaining lip 1124 of the first endplate 1412. When thefilter element 910 and the shell housing 908 are installed in thefiltration system 900 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ), the outer seal member122 and inner seal member are pressed against a cover or a filter headand form seals. In some embodiments, the shell housing 908 and thenutplate portion 1102 of the first endplate 912 interlock to form theouter seal member 122. In some arrangements, a space defined between theouter seal member 122 and the inner seal member 124 is in fluidcommunication with the inlet and the inlet openings. The space inside ofthe inner seal member 124 is in fluid communication with the outlet andthe central opening 918. Accordingly, when the filter element 910 isinstalled in the filtration system (as shown in FIG. 9 ), fluid to befiltered flows through the inlet, through the inlet openings, throughthe filter media 116 in an outside-in flow direction, out the centralopening 918, and out the outlet as shown by the flow arrows of FIG. 9 .

As described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 10A through13 , the shell housing 908 and the first endplate 912 include matchingundulated surfaces that mesh when the filter element 910 is installed inthe shell housing 908, Expanding generally, the nutplate portion 1102 ofthe first endplate 912 includes a top nutplate surface 1220 and a bottomnutplate surface 1229, with the undulated wall 1110 disposed between thetop nutplate surface 1220 and a bottom nutplate surface 1229. Thematching undulated surfaces include a plurality of curves or shapes. Thematching undulated surfaces prevent the filter element 910 from rotatingwith respect to the shell housing 908 during installation of the shellhousing 908 to the filter mounting head or other filter housingcomponent. Additionally, the undulated surface of the shell housing 908prevents a non-authorized filter element (e.g., a filter element withoutthe matching undulated surface) from being installed in the shellhousing 908 and ultimately installed in the filtration system 900.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, views of the shell housing 908 areshown. FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the shell housing 908. FIG.10B shows a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the shell housing908 shown in FIG. 10A. As described above with respect to FIG. 9 , theshell housing 908 includes an open top end. The open top end is definedby a top surface 1002, a gasket retaining wall 1004, a gasket retaininglip 1006, an undulated wall 1008, and an endplate retaining lip 1010. Insome arrangements, the top surface 1002, the gasket retaining lip 1006,and the endplate retaining lip 1010 are parallel, or substantiallyparallel, surfaces. In some arrangements, the gasket retaining wall 1004and the undulated wall 1008 are perpendicular, or substantiallyperpendicular, to the top surface 1002, the gasket retaining lip 1006,and/or the endplate retaining lip 1010. The gasket retaining wall 1004and the gasket retaining lip 1006 define a first portion of the U-shapedchannel (a first half of the U-shaped channel in one embodiment) thatreceives the outer seal member 122 (as described above with respect toFIG. 9 ).

The undulated wall 1008 and the endplate retaining lip 1010 receive thefirst endplate 912 when the filter element 910 is installed in the shellhousing 908. The undulated wall 1008 defines an inner circumferentialuneven surface such that only filter elements with a complimentaryundulated wall (e.g., the undulated wall 1110 of the first endplate 912)can be retained in the shell housing 908. The undulated pattern thatdefines the undulated wall 1008 may be continuous or intermittentthroughout the inner circumference of the undulated wall 1008. In someembodiments, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the undulated wall 1008 includestwelve replications of the undulated pattern (e.g., extrusion) extrudedaxially about the center of the shell housing 908 with a plurality ofaxial notches (e.g., curved extrusions) in-between each replication ofthe undulated pattern (although other numbers of replications could alsobe used). As used herein, “undulated” or “undulating” may refer to arepeating pattern or non-repeating pattern that may follow a wavepattern (e.g., a sinusoidal pattern), a flower pattern, a triangularpattern, or any other pattern such that a mating pattern can mesh withthe undulated or undulating pattern.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the filter element 910 of thefiltration system 900 of FIG. 9 . As described above with respect toFIG. 9 , the filter element 910 includes a nutplate portion 1102integrally formed on an endplate portion 1104 to form the first endplate912. The nutplate portion 1102 and the endplate portion 1104 may beformed in a single injection shot. In some embodiments, the nutplateportion 1102 is a different color from the endplate portion 1104. Thenutplate portion 1102 includes a plurality of ribs 1108, an outer gasketretaining lip 1122 (as shown in FIG. 12A), an outer gasket retainingwall 1206, an inner gasket retaining lip 1124 (as shown in FIG. 12A),inner gasket retaining walls 1216, and an undulated wall 1110. In someembodiments, the plurality of ribs 1108 assist in facilitating theinstallation of the filter element 910 into the shell housing 908. Insome arrangements, the space defined between the plurality of ribs 1108are inlet openings in fluid communication with an inlet, such that fluidto be filtered flows through the inlet, through the inlet openings, andinto the filter media 116. The undulated wall 1110 includes anundulating or repeating pattern that mesh with the matching undulatingor repeating pattern on the filter housing component (e.g., theundulated wall 1008 of the shell housing 908). The two undulating orrepeating patterns “mesh” when the two patterns engage and lock in asimilar manner as the teeth of two meshing gears thereby preventingsubstantial rotation of the first endplate 912 with respect to the shellhousing 908 (i.e., preventing the endplate from rotating with respect tothe filter housing component by more than five degrees in a givendirection).

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, views of the first endplate 912 areshown. FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the first endplate 912.FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the first endplate 912. The firstendplate 912 includes a top surface 1202 and a bottom surface 1204. Thetop surface 1202 and bottom surface 1204 are parallel, or substantiallyparallel, to and displaced from each other. The top surface 1202includes the nutplate portion 1102 of the first endplate 912. The bottomsurface 1204 includes the endplate portion 1104 of the first endplate912. The nutplate portion 1102 of the first endplate 912 includes anouter gasket retaining wall 1206 extending from the top surface 1202,the outer gasket retaining lip 1122, inner gasket retaining walls 1216extending from the top surface 1202, the inner gasket retaining lip1124, an undulated wall 1110, and a housing support lip 1212. In somearrangements, the top surface 1202, the outer gasket retaining lip 1122,the inner gasket retaining lip 1124, the housing support lip 1212, andthe bottom surface 1204 are all parallel, or substantially parallel, toeach other. In some arrangements, the outer gasket retaining wall 1206,the inner gasket retaining walls 1216, and the undulated wall 1110 areperpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the top surface 1202,the bottom surface 1204, the gasket retaining lip 1208, and/or thehousing support lip 1212. The outer gasket retaining wall 1206 and theouter gasket retaining lip 1122 define a second half of the U-shapedchannel that receives the outer seal member 122 (as described above withrespect to FIGS. 9 and 11 ).

The undulated wall 1110 and the housing support lip 1212 are sized andshaped to be supported by the undulated wall 1008 and the endplateretaining lip 1010 of the shell housing 908 when the filter element 910is installed in the shell housing 908. The undulated wall 1110 definesan outer circumferential uneven surface such that is complimentary withundulated wall 1008 of the shell housing 908. The undulated pattern thatdefines the undulated wall 1008 may be continuous or intermittentthroughout the inner circumference of the undulated wall 1008. Theundulated pattern may follow a wave pattern, a flower pattern, atriangular pattern, or the like so long as the undulated patter of theundulated wall 1110 is complimentary with the undulated pattern of theundulated wall 1008. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 12B, theundulated wall 1110 includes twelve replications of the undulatedpattern (e.g., extrusion) extruded axially about the center of thenutplate portion 1102 of the first endplate 912 that are complementaryto twelve replications of the undulated pattern extruded axially aboutthe center of the shell housing 908 on the undulated wall 1008 (withother numbers of replications being used if other replications are usedfor the undulated pattern extruded axially about the center of the shellhousing 908 on the undulated wall 1008).

The endplate portion 1104 includes a top endplate surface 1230 that isparallel, or substantially parallel, to and displaced from a bottomendplate surface 1232, The endplate portion 1104 includes an axiallyprotruding flange 1214 extending away from the bottom endplate surface1232 toward the second endplate 914, As will be appreciated, the topsurface 1202, the bottom surface 1204, the top nutplate surface 1220,the bottom nutplate surface 1229, the top endplate surface 1230, and thebottom endplate surface 1232 are parallel, or substantially parallel, toeach other. Additionally, the top surface 1202 of the first endplate 912is a circumferential protrusion extending away from and around the topnutplate surface 1220. As shown in FIG. 12A, the top nutplate surface1220 is displaced axially away from the bottom nutplate surface 1229 bya greater distance than the axial distance between the top endplatesurface 1230 and the bottom endplate surface 1232. A space 1224 isformed between the bottom nutplate surface 1229 and the top endplatesurface 1230. The nutplate portion 1102 and the endplate portion 1184are integrated such that the fluid flows through the top surface 1202 ofthe first endplate 912, through the openings between the plurality ofribs 1108 on the top nutplate surface 1220, into the space 1224, andaround the top endplate surface 1230 and the flange 1214 to contact thefilter media 116. In some embodiments, the space 1224 is configured tocontrol inlet fuel flow through the first endplate 912 towards thefilter media 116.

Accordingly, since the filter element 910 is an authorized filterelement, the first endplate 912 can be received in the shell housing 908as shown in the filtration system 900 of FIG. 13 . When the filterelement 910 is installed in the shell housing 908, the undulated wall1110 of the first endplate 912 meshes with the undulated wall 1008 ofthe shell housing 908 such that the first endplate 912 (and thus thefilter element 910) cannot be rotated with respect to the shell housing908. Further, when the filter element 910 is installed in the shellhousing 908, the first endplate 912 and the shell housing 908 form aU-shaped channel that receives the outer seal member 122. The outer sealmember 122 is supported by the outer gasket retaining wall 1206, theouter gasket retaining lip 1122, the gasket retaining wall 1004, and thegasket retaining lip 1006. When the filter element 910 is installed inthe filtration system 100, the outer seal member 122 will undergocompression as it is pressed between a filter housing component (e.g.,filter mounting head) and the U-shaped channel that causes the outerseal member 122 to press against the walls of the U-shaped channel andthe filter housing component. In some arrangements, the walls of theU-shaped channel are at least two-thirds the height of the outer sealmember 122.

If a technician attempts to insert a non-authorized filter element intothe shell housing 908 (e.g., a filter element that does not include afirst endplate having the undulated wall 1110), the non-authorizedfilter element will not fit in the shell housing 908. For example, afirst endplate of a non-authorized filter element will not slide all theway in to the shell housing 908 because the pattern of the undulatedwall 1008 prevents the unauthorized first endplate from sliding into theshell housing 908. Accordingly, the non-authorized filter element israised from a fully installed position by the height of the undulatedwall 1008, and sits above the top of the undulated wall 1008 by theheight of the unauthorized first endplate. The height is sufficientlylarge to allow the unauthorized first endplate to protrude above the topsurface 1002 of the shell housing 908. Since the unauthorized firstendplate is raised, the unauthorized first endplate comes into contactwith a filter mounting head before the threaded connection between theshell housing 108 and the filter mounting head is engaged (and beforeany seals form between the unauthorized first endplate and the filtermounting head), which prevents the unauthorized filter element frombeing installed in the filtration system 900. If a filter element is notinstalled in the filtration system 900, any corresponding systemassociated with the filtration system 900 (e.g., an internal combustionengine) may be prevented from starting.

Turning to FIG. 14 , a cross-sectional view of a filtration system 1400is shown according to an example embodiment. The filtration system 1400may be a fuel filtration system, a lubricant filtration system, ahydraulic fluid filtration system, a water filtration system, or thelike. The filtration system 1400 is similar to the filtration system 100of FIG. 1 . A difference between the filtration system 1400 and thefiltration system 100, is repeating pattern of the filter housing thatmeshes with a complementary pattern on an endplate of the filterelement. Specifically, the pattern on the endplate includes meshprotrusions (e.g., snap fingers) that interlock (e.g., snap) with a lipformed on the inside of the filter housing. Similarly, the firstendplate 1412 may be used in place of the first endplate 112 in the samemanner as described above with respect to the filtration system 100. Insome embodiments, the filtration system 1400 may include fingers spacedradially along the outside of the endplate (or a nutplate) to interlockwith a shell housing that includes a corresponding set of slots that thefingers might interlock with. Accordingly, like numbering is used todesignate similar components between the filtration system 100 and thecomponents shown in FIGS. 14, 15A, 15B, and 16 . As shown in FIG. 14 ,the filtration system 1400 includes a shell housing 1408 and a filterelement 910.

The shell housing 1408 is substantially cylindrical in shape having anopen top end adjacent to first endplate 912 and a closed bottom endopposite the open top end. The bottom end includes a biasing member(e.g., spring) 1420 between the bottom end and a location to receive thefilter element 1410. The biasing member 1420 is structured to facilitatethe “snap-in” installation of the filter element 1410 into the shellhousing 1408 and applies a biasing force of the filter element 1410 toensure engagement of the filter element protruding wall with acomplementary surface of the shell housing 1408. In some arrangements,the closed bottom end includes a closeable drain opening, a sensor port,or another opening that can be selectively sealed. The shell housing1408 is structured to engage a threaded member 1406 (e.g., collar)formed around the top end of the shell housing 1408. The threaded member1406 is configured to snap fit onto the shell housing 1408 andthreadedly engage with a filter housing component (e.g., a filtermounting head) of the filtration system 1400. In some embodiments, theshell housing 1408 and the threaded member 1406 are formed as onecomponent. Beneficially, the threaded member 1406 and shell housing 1408are locked together to impede vertical movement and rotation between thethreaded member 1406 and the shell housing 1408.

A filter element 1410 is installed in the filtration system 1400. Thefilter element 1410 is received in a central compartment formed by theshell housing 1408. The filter element 1410 includes a first endplate1412, a second endplate 1414, and filter media 116 positioned betweenthe first endplate 1412 and the second endplate 1414. The filter media116 is arranged in a cylindrical manner between the first endplate 1412and the second endplate 1414. As shown in FIG. 14 , the first endplate1412 is an open endplate that includes a central opening 1418 in fluidcommunication with an outlet. The second endplate 1414 is a closedendplate. The first endplate 1412 includes at least one inlet opening influid communication with an inlet. In some arrangements, one or both ofthe first endplate 1412 and second endplate 1414 may include raised tabsextending from a surface. The tabs may be evenly spaced at the sameradius from a center point of the first endplate 1412 and secondendplate 1414 such that the tabs fall along the circle defined by theradius and the center point.

The filtration system 1400 includes an outer seal member 122 and aninner seal member 124. The outer seal member 122 is supported in aU-shaped channel formed in the shell housing 1408 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14 , which shows a cross-sectional view of the channel around theoutside of the shell housing 1408). The inner seal member 124 issupported in a U-shaped channel formed by projections on the firstendplate 1412. Specifically, the inner seal member 124 is supported bythe inner gasket retaining walls 1616 and the inner gasket retaining lip1624 of the first endplate 1412. When the filter element 1410 and theshell housing 1408 are installed in the filtration system 1400 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 14 ), outer seal member 122 and inner seal member arepressed against a cover or a filter head and form seals. In somearrangements, a space defined between the outer seal member 122 and theinner seal member 124 is in fluid communication with the inlet and theinlet openings. The space inside of the inner seal member 124 is influid communication with the outlet and the central opening 1418.Accordingly, when the filter element 1410 is installed in the filtrationsystem (as shown in FIG. 14 ), fluid to be filtered flows through theinlet, through the inlet openings, through the filter media 116 in anoutside-in flow direction, out the central opening 1418, and out theoutlet as shown by the flow arrows of FIG. 14 .

As described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and16 , the shell housing 1408 and the first endplate 1412 includecomplementary (e.g., matching) surfaces that mesh when the filterelement 1410 is installed in the shell housing 1408. The matchingsurfaces include at least one radially protruding wall around an outsidesurface of the first endplate 1412. The matching surfaces facilitate asnap fit of the filter element 1410 with respect to the shell housing1408 during installation of the shell housing 1408 to the filtermounting head or other filter housing component. Once installed, thematching surfaces impede the vertical movement of the filter element1410 inside the shell housing 1408. Additionally, the surface of theshell housing 1408 prevents a non-authorized filter element (e.g., afilter element without the matching undulated surface) from beinginstalled in the shell housing 1408 and ultimately installed in thefiltration system 1400.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, views of the shell housing 1408 areshown. FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of the shell housing 1408. FIG.15B shows a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the shell housing1408 shown in FIG. 15A. As described above with respect to FIG. 14 , theshell housing 1408 includes an open top end. The open top end is definedby a top surface 1502, a first gasket retaining wall 1504, a gasketretaining lip 1522, a second gasket retaining wall 1506, a recessed(e.g., patterned) wall 1508, a recessed lip 1512, and an endplateretaining lip 1510. In some arrangements, the first gasket retainingwall 1504, the second gasket retaining wall 1506, and the wall 1508 areperpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the top surface 1502,the second gasket retaining wall 1506, and/or the endplate retaining lip1510. Contrary to the shell housing 108 or shell housing 908, a U-shapedchannel that receives the outer seal member 122 (as described above withrespect to FIG. 14 ) is formed directly in the shell housing 1408.Specifically, the outer seal member 122 is received by a channel formedby the first gasket retaining wall 1504, the second gasket retainingwall 1506, and the gasket retaining lip 1522. The recessed wall 1508 andthe endplate retaining lip 1510 receive the first endplate 1412 when thefilter element 1410 is installed in the shell housing 1408. The recessedwall 1508 defines an inner circumferential recessed surface such thatonly filter elements with complimentary protrusions (e.g., theprotruding wall 1610 of the first endplate 1412) can be retained in theshell housing 1408. The recessed pattern that defines the recessed wall1508 may be continuous or intermittent throughout the innercircumference of the recessed wall 1508. As used herein, “recessed” mayrefer to a repeating pattern or non-repeating pattern that may follow acontinuous pattern, a wave pattern (e.g., a sinusoidal pattern), aflower pattern, a triangular pattern, or any other pattern such that amating pattern can mesh with the protrusion. As will be appreciated, theendplate retaining lip 1510 facilitates the protruding wall 1610 of thefirst endplate 1412 engaging the recessed wall 1508.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the filter element 1410 of thefiltration system 1400 of FIG. 14 . As described above with respect toFIG. 14 , the filter element 1410 includes a first endplate 1412 with atleast one radially protruding wall 1610. The first endplate 1412includes a top surface 1602 and a bottom surface 1604. The top surface1062 and bottom surface 1604 are parallel, or substantially parallel,and displaced from each other. The first endplate 1412 includes theinner gasket retaining walls 1616 extending from the top surface 1602,an inner gasket retaining lip 1624, and, extending downward from the topsurface 1602, an axially protruding flange 1614 with a radiallyprotruding wall 1610 along the surface of the protruding flange 1614. Insome embodiments, the axially protruding flange 1614 is flexible in theradial direction toward the filter media 116. In some arrangements, thetop surface 1602, the inner gasket retaining lip 1624 and the bottomsurface 1604 are all parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other.In some arrangements, the inner gasket retaining walls 1616 and theaxially protruding flange 1614 are perpendicular, or substantiallyperpendicular, to the top surface 1602, the bottom surface 1604, and theinner gasket retaining lip 1624. In some arrangements, the axiallyprotruding flange 1614 is continuous around a circumference of thefilter element 1410. In some arrangements, the radially protruding wall1610 is continuous around a circumference of the filter element 1410.The radially protruding wall 1610 includes a shape (e.g., triangular,rectangular, obtuse, angled, etc.) that allows for the first endplate1412 to be vertically pressed down, past the recessed lip 1512 andendplate retaining lip 1510 thereby causing the axially protrudingflange 1614 to flex inward. In some embodiments, the radially protrudingwall 1610 is substantially parallel to the top surface 1602, the innergasket retaining lip 1624 and the bottom surface 1604.

Accordingly, since the filter element 1410 is an authorized filterelement, the first endplate 1412 can be received in the shell housing1408. When the filter element 1410 is installed in the shell housing1408, the radially protruding wall 1610 of the first endplate 1412 dropsinto the shell housing 1408. Once the radially protruding wall 1610 ispushed below the endplate retaining lip 1510, the mesh of the shape ofthe radially protruding wall 1610 and the shape of the endplateretaining lip 1510 of the shell housing 1408 impedes vertical movementof the filter element 1410 with respect to the shell housing 1408. Aswill be appreciated, the biasing member 1420 is structured to facilitatethe “snap-in” installation of the filter element 1410 into the shellhousing 1408 and applies a vertical force of the filter element 1410 toensure engagement of the radially protruding wall 1610 of the firstendplate 1412 with the complementary surface of the shell housing 1408.In other words, the two repeating patterns “mesh” when the two patternsengage and lock in a similar manner as the teeth of two meshing gearsthereby preventing substantial rotation of the first endplate 1412 withrespect to the shell housing 1408.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the radially protruding wall 1610 further includesa housing support lip 1612 that is complementary to the endplateretaining lip 1510 of the shell housing 1408 such that the engagement ofthe housing support lip 1612 and the endplate retaining lip 1510 impedesvertical movement of the filter element 1410 with respect to the shellhousing 1408. Further, when the filter element 1410 is installed in theshell housing 1408, the outer gasket channel (e.g., the channel formedby the first gasket retaining wall 1504, the second gasket retainingwall 1506, and the gasket retaining lip 1522) receives the outer sealmember 122. When the filter element 1410 is installed in the filtrationsystem 1400, the outer seal member 122 will undergo compression as it ispressed between a filter housing component (e.g., filter mounting head)and the U-shaped channel that causes the outer seal member 122 to pressagainst the walls of the U-shaped channel and the filter housingcomponent. In some arrangements, the walls of the U-shaped channel areat least two-thirds the height of the outer seal member 122.

If a technician attempts to insert a non-authorized filter element intothe shell housing 1408 (e.g., a filter element that does not include afirst endplate having the radially protruding wall 1610), thenon-authorized filter element will not fit in the shell housing 1408.For example, a first endplate of a non-authorized filter element willnot slide all the way in to the shell housing 1408 because the patternof the recessed wall 1508 prevents the unauthorized first endplate fromsliding into the shell housing 1408. Accordingly, the non-authorizedfilter element is raised from a fully installed position by the heightof the recessed wall 1508, and sits above the top of the recessed wall1508 by the height of the unauthorized first endplate. The height issufficiently large to allow the unauthorized first endplate to protrudeabove the top surface 1502 of the shell housing 1408. Since theunauthorized first endplate is raised, the unauthorized first endplatecomes into contact with a filter mounting head before the threadedconnection between the shell housing 108 and the filter mounting head isengaged (and before any seals form between the unauthorized firstendplate and the filter mounting head), which prevents the unauthorizedfilter element from being installed in the filtration system 1400. If afilter element is not installed in the filtration system 1400, anycorresponding system associated with the filtration system 1400 (e.g.,an internal combustion engine) may be prevented from starting.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a cross-sectional view of a filtration system1700 is shown according to another example embodiment. The filtrationsystem 1700 may be a fuel filtration system, a lubricant filtrationsystem, a hydraulic fluid filtration system, a water filtration system,or the like. The filtration system 1700 is similar to the filtrationsystem 900 of FIG. 9 in many respects. A difference between thefiltration system 1700 and the filtration system 900 is a modificationof the undulated wall of the nutplate where the nutplate interlocks withthe housing. The filtration system 1700 includes a different pattern andnumerosity of replicated patters extruded axially about the center ofthe first endplate 1712 and shell housing 1708 compared to thefiltration system 900. In some embodiments, the filtration system 1700includes six replications of the pattern extruded axially about thecenter of the filtration system 1700 on the undulated walls of the shellhousing 1708 and first endplate 1712, as opposed to twelve replicationsof the pattern extruded axially about the center of the filtrationsystem 900 on the undulated walls of the shell housing 908 and firstendplate 912. As will be appreciated, the differing undulated patternsprevents the first endplate 912 to be used in place of the firstendplate 1712 with the shell housing 1708 of the filtration system 1700.Relatedly, the differing undulated patterns prevents the first endplate1712 to be used in place of the first endplate 912 with the shellhousing 908 of the filtration system 900. Accordingly, like numbering isused to designate similar components between the filtration system 900and the components shown in FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B, 19, 20A, 20B, and 21 ofthe filtration system 1700. As shown in FIG. 17 , the filtration system1700 includes a shell housing 1708 and a filter element 1710.

The shell housing 1708 is substantially cylindrical in shape, having anopen top end adjacent to first endplate 1712 and a closed bottom endopposite the open top end. The bottom end includes a protrusion toassist in removal of the shell housing 1708 from the filter element 1710and/or filtration system 1700. In some arrangements, the closed bottomend includes a closeable drain opening, a sensor port, or anotheropening that can be selectively sealed. The shell housing 1708 includesa threaded member 1706 formed around the top end of the shell housing1708. The threaded member 1706 is configured to engage with the threadsof a filter housing component (e.g., a filter mounting head) of thefiltration system 1700. In some embodiments, the shell housing 1708 andthe threaded member 1706 are separate components.

A filter element 1710 is installed in the filtration system 1700. Thefilter element 1710 is received in a central compartment formed by theshell housing 1708. The filter element 1710 includes a first endplate1712, a second endplate 1714, and filter media 116 positioned betweenthe first endplate 1712 and the second endplate 1714. The filter media116 is arranged in a cylindrical manner between the first endplate 1712and the second endplate 1714. The first endplate 1712 includes anutplate portion 1902 integrated with an endplate portion 1904 such thatthe top surface of the first endplate 1712 is the nutplate portion 1902and the bottom surface is an endplate portion 1904 vertically spacedaway from the nutplate portion 1902 and structured to attach to thefilter media 116. As will be appreciated, incorporating an integratednutplate portion 1902 on an endplate portion 1904 to form the firstendplate 1712 of the filter element 1710 reduces the need for additionalcomponents for interfacing with and sealing with the shell housing 1708.As shown in FIG. 17 , the first endplate 1712 is an open endplate thatincludes a central opening 1718 in fluid communication with an outlet.The second endplate 1714 is a closed endplate. The first endplate 1712includes at least one inlet opening in fluid communication with aninlet. In some arrangements, one or both of the first endplate 1712 andsecond endplate 1714 may include raised tabs extending from a surface.The tabs may be evenly spaced at the same radius from a center point ofthe first endplate 1712 and second endplate 1714 such that the tabs fallalong the circle defined by the radius and the center point.

The filtration system 1700 includes an outer seal member 122 and aninner seal member 124. The outer seal member 122 is supported in aU-shaped channel formed by the first endplate 1712 and the shell housing1708 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17 , which shows a cross-sectional view ofthe interaction between the first endplate 1712 and the shell housing1708). The inner seal member 124 is supported in a U-shaped channelformed by projections on the first endplate 1712. Specifically, theinner seal member 124 is supported by the inner gasket retaining walls2016 and the inner gasket retaining lip 1924 of the first endplate 1712.When the filter element 1710 and the shell housing 1708 are installed inthe filtration system 1700 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17 ), the outer sealmember 122 and inner seal member are pressed against a cover or a filterhead and form seals. In some embodiments, the shell housing 1708 and thenutplate portion 1902 of the first endplate 1712 interlock to form theouter seal member 122. In some arrangements, a space defined between theouter seal member 122 and the inner seal member 124 is in fluidcommunication with the inlet and the inlet openings. The space inside ofthe inner seal member 124 is in fluid communication with the outlet andthe central opening 1718. Accordingly, when the filter element 1710 isinstalled in the filtration system (as shown in FIG. 17 ), fluid to befiltered flows through the inlet, through the inlet openings, throughthe filter media 116 in an outside-in flow direction, out the centralopening 918, and out the outlet as shown by the flow arrows of FIG. 17 .

As described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 18A through21 , the shell housing 1708 and the first endplate 1712 include matchingundulated surfaces that mesh when the filter element 1710 is installedin the shell housing 1708. Expanding generally, the nutplate portion1902 of the first endplate 1712 includes a top nutplate surface 2020 anda bottom nutplate surface 2029, with the undulated wall 1910 disposedbetween the top nutplate surface 2020 and a bottom nutplate surface2029. The matching undulated surfaces include a plurality of curves orshapes. The matching undulated surfaces prevent the filter element 1710from rotating with respect to the shell housing 1708 during installationof the shell housing 1708 to the filter mounting head or other filterhousing component. Additionally, the undulated surface of the shellhousing 1708 prevents a non-authorized filter element (e.g., a filterelement without the matching undulated surface) from being installed inthe shell housing 1708 and ultimately installed in the filtration system1700.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, views of the shell housing 1708 areshown. FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of the shell housing 1708. FIG.18B shows a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the shell housing1708 shown in FIG. 18A. As described above with respect to FIG. 17 , theshell housing 1708 includes an open top end. The open top end is definedby a top surface 1802, a gasket retaining wall 1804, a gasket retaininglip 1806, an undulated wall 1808, and an endplate retaining lip 1810. Insome arrangements, the top surface 1802, the gasket retaining lip 1806,and the endplate retaining lip 1810 are parallel, or substantiallyparallel, surfaces. In some arrangements, the gasket retaining wall 1804and the undulated wall 1808 are perpendicular, or substantiallyperpendicular, to the top surface 1802, the gasket retaining lip 1806,and/or the endplate retaining lip 1810. The gasket retaining wall 1804and the gasket retaining lip 1806 define a first portion of the U-shapedchannel (a first half of the U-shaped channel in one embodiment) thatreceives the outer seal member 122 (as described above with respect toFIG. 17 ).

The undulated wall 1808 and the endplate retaining lip 1810 receive thefirst endplate 1712 when the filter element 1710 is installed in theshell housing 1708. The undulated wall 1808 defines an innercircumferential uneven surface such that only filter elements with acomplimentary undulated wall (e.g., the undulated wall 1910 of the firstendplate 1712) can be retained in the shell housing 1708. The undulatedpattern that defines the undulated wall 1808 may be continuous orintermittent throughout the inner circumference of the undulated wall1808. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 18A, the undulated wall1808 includes six replications of the undulated pattern (e.g.,extrusion) extruded axially about the center of the shell housing 1708.As used herein, “undulated” or “undulating” may refer to a repeatingpattern or non-repeating pattern that may follow a wave pattern (e.g., asinusoidal pattern), a flower pattern, a triangular pattern, or anyother pattern such that a mating pattern can mesh with the undulated orundulating pattern.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the filter element 1710 of thefiltration system 1700 of FIG. 17 . As described above with respect toFIG. 17 , the filter element 1710 includes a nutplate portion 1902integrally formed on an endplate portion 1904 to form the first endplate1712. The nutplate portion 1902 and the endplate portion 1904 may beformed in a single injection shot. In some embodiments, the nutplateportion 1902 is a different color from the endplate portion 1904. Thenutplate portion 1902 includes a plurality of ribs 1908, an outer gasketretaining lip 1922 (as shown in FIG. 20A), an outer gasket retainingwall 2006, an inner gasket retaining lip 1924 (as shown in FIG. 20A),inner gasket retaining walls 2016, and an undulated wall 1910. In someembodiments, the plurality of ribs 1908 assist in facilitating theinstallation of the filter element 1710 into the shell housing 1708. Insome arrangements, the space defined between the plurality of ribs 1908are inlet openings in fluid communication with an inlet, such that fluidto be filtered flows through the inlet, through the inlet openings, andinto the filter media 116. The undulated wall 1910 includes anundulating or repeating pattern that mesh with the matching undulatingor repeating pattern on the filter housing component (e.g., theundulated wall 1808 of the shell housing 1708). The two undulating orrepeating patterns “mesh” when the two patterns engage and lock in asimilar manner as the teeth of two meshing gears thereby preventingsubstantial rotation of the first endplate 1712 with respect to theshell housing 1708 (i.e., preventing the endplate from rotating withrespect to the filter housing component by more than five degrees in agiven direction).

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, views of the first endplate 1712 areshown. FIG. 20A shows a cross-sectional view of the first endplate 1712.FIG. 20B shows a perspective view of the first endplate 1712. The firstendplate 1712 includes a top surface 2002 and a bottom surface 2004, Thetop surface 2002 and bottom surface 2004 are parallel, or substantiallyparallel, to and displaced from each other. The top surface 2002includes the nutplate portion 1902 of the first endplate 1712. Thebottom surface 2004 includes the endplate portion 1904 of the firstendplate 1712. The nutplate portion 1902 of the first endplate 1712includes an outer gasket retaining wall 2006 extending from the topsurface 2002, the outer gasket retaining lip 1922, inner gasketretaining walls 2016 extending from the top surface 2002, the innergasket retaining lip 1924, an undulated wall 1910, and a housing supportlip 2012. In some arrangements, the top surface 2002, the outer gasketretaining lip 1922, the inner gasket retaining lip 1924, the housingsupport lip 2012, and the bottom surface 2004 are all parallel, orsubstantially parallel, to each other. In some arrangements, the outergasket retaining wall 2006, the inner gasket retaining walls 2016, andthe undulated wall 1910 are perpendicular, or substantiallyperpendicular, to the top surface 2002, the bottom surface 2004, thegasket retaining lip 2008, and/or the housing support lip 2012. Theouter gasket retaining wall 2006 and the outer gasket retaining lip 1922define a second half of the U-shaped channel that receives the outerseal member 122 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 17 and 19 ).

The undulated wall 1910 and the housing support lip 2012 are sized andshaped to be supported by the undulated wall 1808 and the endplateretaining lip 1810 of the shell housing 1708 when the filter element1710 is installed in the shell housing 1708, The undulated wall 1910defines an outer circumferential uneven surface such that iscomplimentary with undulated wall 1808 of the shell housing 1708. Theundulated pattern that defines the undulated wall 1808 may be continuousor intermittent throughout the inner circumference of the undulated wall1808, The undulated pattern may follow a wave pattern, a flower pattern,a triangular pattern, or the like so long as the undulated patter of theundulated wall 1910 is complimentary with the undulated pattern of theundulated wall 1808. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 20B, theundulated wall 1910 includes six replications of the undulated pattern(e.g., extrusion) extruded axially about the center of the nutplateportion 1902 of the first endplate 1712 that are complementary to sixreplications of the undulated pattern extruded axially about the centerof the shell housing 1708 on the undulated wall 1808.

The endplate portion 1904 includes a top endplate surface 2030 that isparallel, or substantially parallel, to and displaced from a bottomendplate surface 2032. The endplate portion 1904 includes an axiallyprotruding flange 2014 extending away from the bottom endplate surface2032 toward the second endplate 1714. As will be appreciated, the topsurface 2002, the bottom surface 2004, the top nutplate surface 2020,the bottom nutplate surface 2029, the top endplate surface 2030, and thebottom endplate surface 2032 are parallel, or substantially parallel, toeach other. Additionally, the top surface 2002 of the first endplate1712 is a circumferential protrusion extending away from and around thetop nutplate surface 2020. As shown in FIG. 20A, the top nutplatesurface 2020 is displaced axially away from the bottom nutplate surface2029 by a greater distance than the axial distance between the topendplate surface 2030 and the bottom endplate surface 2032. A space 2024is formed between the bottom nutplate surface 2029 and the top endplatesurface 2030. The nutplate portion 1902 and the endplate portion 1904are integrated such that the fluid flows through the top surface 2002 ofthe first endplate 1712, through the openings between the plurality ofribs 1908 on the top nutplate surface 2020, into the space 2024, andaround the top endplate surface 1230 and the flange 2014 to contact thefilter media 116. In some embodiments, the space 2024 is configured tocontrol inlet fuel flow through the first endplate 1712 towards thefilter media 116.

Accordingly, since the filter element 1710 is an authorized filterelement, the first endplate 1712 can be received in the shell housing1708 as shown in the filtration system 1700 of FIG. 21 . When the filterelement 1710 is installed in the shell housing 1708, the undulated wall1910 of the first endplate 1712 meshes with the undulated wall 1808 ofthe shell housing 1708 such that the first endplate 1712 (and thus thefilter element 1710) cannot be rotated with respect to the shell housing1708. Further, when the filter element 1710 is installed in the shellhousing 1708, the first endplate 1712 and the shell housing 1708 form aU-shaped channel that receives the outer seal member 122. The outer sealmember 122 is supported by the outer gasket retaining wall 2006, theouter gasket retaining lip 1922, the gasket retaining wall 1804, and thegasket retaining lip 1806. When the filter element 1710 is installed inthe filtration system 1700, the outer seal member 122 will undergocompression as it is pressed between a filter housing component (e.g.,filter mounting head) and the U-shaped channel that causes the outerseal member 122 to press against the walls of the U-shaped channel andthe filter housing component. In some arrangements, the walls of theU-shaped channel are at least two-thirds the height of the outer sealmember 122.

If a technician attempts to insert a non-authorized filter element intothe shell housing 1708 (e.g., a filter element that does not include afirst endplate having the undulated wall 1910), the non-authorizedfilter element will not fit in the shell housing 1708. For example, afirst endplate of a non-authorized filter element will not slide all theway in to the shell housing 1708 because the pattern of the undulatedwall 1808 prevents the unauthorized first endplate from sliding into theshell housing 1708. Accordingly, the non-authorized filter element israised from a fully installed position by the height of the undulatedwall 1808, and sits above the top of the undulated wall 1808 by theheight of the unauthorized first endplate. The height is sufficientlylarge to allow the unauthorized first endplate to protrude above the topsurface 1802 of the shell housing 1708. Since the unauthorized firstendplate is raised, the unauthorized first endplate comes into contactwith a filter mounting head before the threaded connection between theshell housing 908 and the filter mounting head is engaged (and beforeany seals form between the unauthorized first endplate and the filtermounting head), which prevents the unauthorized filter element frombeing installed in the filtration system 1700. If a filter element isnot installed in the filtration system 1700, any corresponding systemassociated with the filtration system 1700 (e.g., an internal combustionengine) may be prevented from starting.

The above described undulating pattern of any of the above describedarrangements (e.g., of the undulated walls 308, 410, 1008, 1110, 1508,1610, 1808, and 1910), can be varied from product to product todesignate different characteristics of given filtration systems offilter elements. The difference characteristics may include anycombination of media type, filter element service life, application(e.g., on vs. off highway), filter type (e.g., fuel, oil, water, etc.),presence of special components (e.g., coalescing layers, screens, etc.),filter media grade, filter element efficiency or ISO code, filterelement stage designation, the presence of sensors, or the like. Theundulating pattern can be changed by varying the shape of the pattern(e.g., rounded flower petals, jagged teeth, geometric shapes, etc.), thefrequency of the pattern (e.g., the number of petals, teeth, etc.), thecolor of the endplate, the material of the endplate, the size of theentry holes, the number of entry holes, the depth of the pattern, or acombination thereof.

It should be noted that any use of the term “example” herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled” and the like as used herein mean the joining of twomembers directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may bestationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable orreleasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other example embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thevarious example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Additionally, features from particular embodiments may becombined with features from other embodiments as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art. Other substitutions, modifications,changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operatingconditions and arrangement of the various example embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter element comprising: filter media; and afirst endplate coupled to the filter media, the first endplatecomprising: a top surface, a bottom surface parallel to and displacedfrom the top surface, an opening passing through the top surface and thebottom surface, a first wall positioned between the top surface and thebottom surface and projecting radially outward of the first endplate,the first wall having a pattern comprising a plurality of curvedsurfaces projecting radially outwards of the end plate and a pluralityof indents located between each of the plurality of curved surfaces andprojecting radially inwards into the first wall such that the patterndefines an outer circumferential uneven surface structured to mesh witha matching pattern formed on an inner surface of a shell housing whenthe filter element is installed in the shell housing, an upper surfaceof the first wall defining a gasket retaining lip, a lower surface ofthe first wall defining a housing support lip, the gasket retaining lipand the housing support lip each having a variable outer radius thatmatches a profile of the outer circumferential uneven surface, thehousing support lip being a planar surface that is continuous along anentire perimeter of the first endplate, and a gasket retaining wallengaged with and extending axially away from the gasket retaining lip,the gasket retaining wall at least partially defining the opening. 2.The filter element of claim 1, wherein the gasket retaining wall isoriented perpendicular to the top surface, the gasket retaining lipparallel to the top surface, the gasket retaining lip connecting thefirst wall and the gasket retaining wall, the gasket retaining lip andthe gasket retaining wall forming a first portion of a U-shaped channelthat is configured to axially receive an outer seal member.
 3. Thefilter element of claim 2, wherein the first endplate further comprisesan inner gasket retaining lip, a first gasket retaining wall, and asecond gasket retaining wall, the first gasket retaining wall and thesecond gasket retaining wall perpendicular to the top surface and spacedinward from the gasket retaining wall, the inner gasket retaining lipand first gasket retaining wall and the second gasket retaining wallforming a second U-shaped channel that receives an inner seal member. 4.The filter element of claim 3, the endplate further defining at leastone inlet, wherein a first space is defined between the outer sealmember and the inner seal member, the first space in fluid communicationwith the at least one inlet, and wherein a second space is definedinside of the inner seal member, the second space in fluid communicationwith the opening.
 5. A filtration system comprising: a filter mountinghead having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a shell housing removablycoupled to the filter mounting head through a threaded connection, theshell housing defining a central compartment, the shell housingincluding a second wall having the matching pattern; and the filterelement of claim 1 positioned within the central compartment such thatfirst wall meshes with the second wall.
 6. The filtration system ofclaim 5, wherein filter element is rotationally locked with respect tothe shell housing.
 7. The filtration system of claim 5, wherein thefirst endplate is inscribed with the pattern.
 8. The filtration systemof claim 5, wherein the first endplate circumscribes the pattern.
 9. Thefiltration system of claim 5, wherein the first endplate includes araised tab extending from a top surface of the first endplate, theraised tab received in a circular channel of the filter mounting head.10. The filtration system of claim 5, further comprising an outer sealmember axially engaging both the gasket retaining lip and an uppersurface of the second wall.
 11. The filtration system of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of indents defines a curved axial notch inbetween and connecting two of the plurality of curved surfaces.
 12. Thefiltration system of claim 1, wherein the gasket retaining rip and thegasket retaining wall together define a portion of a U-shaped channel,the filtration system further comprising an axial seal member disposedin the portion of the U-shaped channel so that the gasket retaining lipengages the axial seal member along an entire outer perimeter of thegasket retaining lip.
 13. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein thegasket retaining lip defines a radially non-uniform support surface forthe axial seal member.